by jboullion | Dec 16, 2008 | Uncategorized
From an article by Nick Paulson in the Wisconsin Rapids Tribune:
STEVENS POINT — The average American has gained 10 pounds in the past decade, and the extra weight is helping cause climate change.
“What that means is that the airlines that crisscross this country burn 350 million more gallons of jet fuel every year, schlepping around that extra weight,” said Terry Tamminen. “If all of us, myself included, would lose that 10 pounds, the planet would be better off and so would we.”
The idea may be a little harsh, but it is the kind of forward thinking Tamminen is known for and has helped him land some of the most prestigious climate jobs in the country. He has worked as the Secretary of the California Environmental Protection Agency under Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Thursday night was part of a conference call with the transition team for President-elect Barack Obama.
Tamminen was Friday morning’s keynote speaker at the Wisconsin Climate Change Summit at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.
From ideas such as his weight loss theory to broader changes like converting 1.2 million buildings nationwide to more efficient systems, Tamminen shared four steps he believes will stimulate the economy and create a more sustainable country: renewables, efficiency, markets and democracy.
by jboullion | Dec 15, 2008 | Uncategorized
From an article article by Deneen Smith in the Kenosha News:
Shawn Henoch can’t wait for frigid weather and the first serious heating bills of winter.
“I’m really looking forward to January and February to see,” Henoch said. “Who is excited to get their electric bill? But I am.”
Henoch hired a company to do an energy efficiency overhaul of her 60-year-old Kenosha home this year. The work was completed in June, and she said she’s already seen a dramatic reduction in her energy bills and an improvement in the coziness-factor of her home.
The project sealed air leaks in the house, added insulation in the walls and ceiling, and replaced an old, inefficient furnace and air conditioner.
Before the overhaul, her typical winter heating bills were about $400 “and that was keeping my heat set at 67 or 68,” she said. “Now I can really keep my house at 72, and my last bill was, I think, $136.”
Learn more about an energy efficiency evaluaition at Focus on Energy.
by jboullion | Dec 10, 2008 | Uncategorized
From a media release issued by Focus on Energy:
WITHEE, Wis. — Joe’s Refrigeration, Inc., a family-owned business that designs and installs custom milking and refrigeration systems for dairy farms, has earned Focus on Energy’s Award for Excellence in Energy Efficiency for its efforts to promote energy-saving, environmentally friendly equipment.
Working in partnership with Focus on Energy, Wisconsin’s energy efficiency and renewable energy initiative, Joe’s Refrigeration helps dairy producers and processors cut energy consumption and costs by installing efficient equipment such as refrigeration heat-recovery tanks and plate coolers. The resulting savings helps farmers stay profitable and competitive as energy costs continue to rise.
“While milk prices have risen, so too have the costs of feed, fertilizer and fuel. Wisconsin’s dairy industry is important to our economy and we’re glad to help farmers stay competitive,” explained Rich Hackner, sector manager for Focus on Energy’s Agriculture and Rural Business Program.
“Joe’s Refrigeration is a great partner and we applaud their efforts to
help dairy producers make smart choices that save energy, save money and protect the environment.”
Over the past 50 years, Joe’s Refrigeration has expanded and diversified from its beginnings as a refrigeration business. Over the years, the company branched into the dairy industry, a side of the business that has doubled in the past year as more and more farmers have sought financial savings through energy efficiency.
by jboullion | Nov 30, 2008 | Uncategorized
From an article by Bob Seaquist in the Onalaska Holmen Life Courier:
Saving energy in small ways is saving the Onalaska School District big money. Doug Hause, the district’s energy director told the Onalaska Board of Education Monday night the effort has saved $446,058 over the past 24 months. That is a 30 percent drop from what energy expenditures would have been without the program.
“We don’t suddenly have $400,000 sitting there but just have $400,000 less in expenses,” Superintendent John Burnett said.
In the past two years Onalaska schools spent $1,096,427 for energy.
The district contracts with Energy Education Inc., paying the firm about $88,500 per year in a four-year contract.
The company estimates the school district will save $4.5 million over a 10-year period if it sticks with the effort, Hauser said.
Remarkably, energy savings continue piling up even though the program is going into its third year. Hauser said a “plateau” has not occurred because there are “so many ways n facets n to save energy.” He gives extra credit to building head custodians who keep looking for ways to cut electricity, heat and air conditioning waste.
by jboullion | Nov 14, 2008 | Uncategorized
More Wisconsin residents may now be eligible for Focus on Energy’s assistance program which offers limited-income homeowners low-cost efficiency improvements to improve the comfort, safety and affordability of their homes. The assistance program called Targeted Home Performance with ENERGY STAR®, is now seeking applications from homeowners with incomes between 150-250 percent of the poverty level, which is a significant increase from the past maximum of 200 percent. To put the new maximum into perspective, a family of four’s maximum eligible annual income increased to $53,000 from the previous $42,400. . . .
Targeted Home Performance with ENERGY STAR, is part of Focus on Energy, Wisconsin’s energy efficiency and renewable energy program. Targeted Home Performance with ENERGY STAR offers qualifying homeowners a no-cost energy evaluation performed by a qualified program provider. Depending on the results of the evaluation, the home may receive energy efficiency improvements, such as adding insulation, finding and eliminating drafts, replacing an inefficient heating system, installing compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) and more. Targeted Home Performance with ENERGY STAR will pay 90 percent of the costs of the energy efficiency improvements – the homeowner pays just 10 percent.
Energy efficient homes save energy and money all year long. In summer, a home that’s properly sealed and insulated stays cooler and more comfortable, reducing the need for fans and air conditioners during hot daylight hours. In winter, energy efficient homes keep warm air inside, improving comfort and reducing heating costs during Wisconsin’s coldest months.
Homeowners wishing to apply for Targeted Home Performance with ENERGY STAR are encouraged to call Focus on Energy at (800) 762-7077 or visit focusonenergy.com to download an application.
